[UK-CONTEST] Tower info

[Doug Roberts]

Hi Dave,

Can't help with identifying the tower mfr, but can with the rope ...  the
following information is given in good faith, but without liability (sorry,
have to cover your arse nowadays, don't you!).

You need "round strand, fibre-cored wire rope to British Standard BS302".
It is sized by overall diameter.  (I think it's 5mm for lifting and 6mm for
luffing on the smaller Strumech towers - take samples with you if you are at
all doubtful).  Find stockists from www.yell.com - put in "wire rope" and it
will give you several sources.  You should be able to buy it by the
foot/yard/metre.  If you determine the individual lengths, the stockist
should be able to crimp an eye ("thimble") on one end of each for you - tell
him what size bolt needs to pass through the eye.  The other end of the
bottom section rope will be plain for the winch drum, and you can buy
"bulldog grips" (saddle clamps) and thimbles to make up the other ends on
the 2nd/3rd section ropes (they must be fitted so that the u-bolt is biting
on the loose end of the rope, NOT on the main run).  Stockist should be able
to advise how many to use.

DON'T be tempted to go for stainless steel rope - it is weaker and needs
larger diameter pulleys.  DO get a spray can of chain lube or spray grease
(about £3-4) and soak the wires for a few days before fitting.  (I put the
coiled up wires in a clean, heavy duty polythene bag, like you get sand in
from the builder's merchant, spray with liberally with grease and leave
lying flat).

73,
Doug G0WMW



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dave Lawley" <g4buo at compuserve.com>
To: "UK Contest Reflector" <uk-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2004 9:48 AM
Subject: [UK-CONTEST] Tower info


| Apologies for another technical question, but this is the best forum I
| know for getting these sorts of answers, and we're trying to get the
| tower and antenna set up in time for CQ Worldwide.
|
| Another local of mine has a crankup tower, three section but I don't
| know if it's a Strumech, or BXI or what? The sections are 20ft like
| Strumech but instead of a 'flapper' safety catch it has a catch at the
| top of the bottom section that is swung into position by means of a rod
| that goes all the way up one of the three legs. Also the bottom ends of
| the legs of the next two sections end in a point rather than cut off
| flat, and it looks as though lugs have been welded to the top section to
| make it accept a Strumech head unit.
|
| It could do with new cables. I'd like to know if anyone can identify the
| type of tower, will standard Strumech cables be of the correct length,
| and does anyone know of a source of replacement cables other than
Strumech?
|
| Thanks for any help you can give.
|
| Dave G4BUO
|
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